headspace, formally the headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation, is an Australian
non-profit
A nonprofit organization (NPO), also known as a nonbusiness entity, nonprofit institution, not-for-profit organization, or simply a nonprofit, is a non-governmental (private) legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public, or so ...
organisation for youth
mental health
Mental health is often mistakenly equated with the absence of mental illness. However, mental health refers to a person's overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how individuals think, feel, and behave, and how t ...
established by the
Australian Government
The Australian Government, also known as the Commonwealth Government or simply as the federal government, is the national executive government of Australia, a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The executive consists of the pr ...
in 2006. The project is funded by the
Department of Health and Aged Care under the Youth Mental Health Initiative Program, and indirectly supported through the
Better Access Scheme.
headspace delivers support to young people aged from 12 to 25 years to reduce the impact of depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol and drug use, and to improve relationship issues associated with sexuality, sexual health, families, and bullying. Young people and their families can get support at a headspace centre as well as online and telephone support service, eheadspace. Many hospitals, especially in metropolitan areas, refer patients that are not a current threat to themselves or others to headspace for longer-term mental health care.
Centres
headspace has more than 156 centres across Australia which can be accessed for free or at low cost. Staff include doctors, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, nurses, youth workers, peer workers, counselors and alcohol and drug workers.
headspace can help with psychotherapy, counselling, education and employment services, as well as drug and alcohol issues.
eheadspace
eheadspace is confidential and free space where a young person can call, chat or email with a qualified youth mental health professional. Unlike
Lifeline or
Kids Helpline, eheadspace is not an emergency or crisis service. eheadspace is available 9am – 1am (Melbourne time), 7 days a week.
headspace schools
headspace Schools and Communities ("headspace schools") is an initiative funded by the
Department of Health and Aged Care that provides support to secondary schools affected by the suicide of a student.
Staff, board and ambassadors
headspace is directed by the headspace Board, chaired by Ben Shields. The Chief Executive Officer of headspace is Jason Trethowan, who also sits on the Board as a Director.
References
External links
* {{Official website, http://www.headspace.org.au/
Counseling organizations
Mental health organisations in Australia
2006 establishments in Australia
Health charities in Australia